Blue Armour

Last season wasn't half bad..better than man utd's at any rate... We're on course to finish top 3, hopefully the FA cup on the way, a couple of more signings (+ a new manager) in the summer and should be primed for next season.

I think what he means to say is that its not often that you have a player who charges forward at a high tempo and can still have an eye for a good pass. Ever heard of Walcott the headless chicken? Ramires can offer thrust, and can also make a good pass at the end of his runs. That can be invaluable to the team.

Or it maybe simply due to the fact Abramovich isn't exactly like Hicks, Gillete or the Glazers.

Nothing much to do with Mikel, but is that really true? I saw the highlights of the world cup final vs Italy, and in the first half he bombed forward ala Ramires, to support the build up play...Of course he had Viera playing with him in the double pivot, but I don't think he always just sat there in front of the defense. He was a lot more mobile than Mikel, with superior work rate.

Hit the nail on the head. I consider players like Mata and Hazard to be intelligent but those two don't have the experience to complement. We're losing so many 50-50's because the players put themselves into difficult positions. Its the same case when defending, when you have players arriving unmarked into the box. Today's equalizer is another one on the list of goals scored that way this season. Our double pivot members go AWOL when the opposition charges forward in numbers.

Interesting target, and I thought we were in for him at one point..BUT........ He's recently signed a new contract.

I think you'll agree that both sets of fans have an overstated sense of entitlement

Probably when the stadium was at its loudest... I'm watching through a telecast yes, but for me during the past two seasons the bridge has been disgruntled most of the time. It started during the Carlo slump and has been noticeable ever since, when things don't go our way in a match. I'm not saying that's the reason we drew of course, (Cahill was culpable for the 1st goal, and Lamps and/or Rami for the second) but its no coincidence that our better results are coming away from home.

Please, none of that nonsense...there's more than enough of it on the pitch.

New Avatar, anyone?

http://www.footytube.com/video/reading-v-west-bromwich-albion-151778?ref=search

Yeah that has happened quite a few times this season, and I can't really understand why RDM/Benitez haven't rectified it. Granted its Torres that's receiving and he'll most likely squander the chance, but its better than nothing. Like you said, its probably the case of players not trusting him but these guys are supposed to be professionals.

Would agree with those, but I think its likely to be Ramires for Marin

When Demba scores a hat-trick the game goes BA-BA-BA-BOOM!

Yes his form has been quite poor in the last few games. But I don't see how that warrants a place in the transfer list for summer.

Nevertheless, why should it matter if Ba scored a penalty to get a hat-trick? Hat-tricks are just for headlines...a lot of strikers score hat-tricks only to go into a slump a few matches later. I don't need to give examples for that...

Yeah the media twists stuff, and there are some people who even believe in the crap they put out. That's why there are still quite a few who think Chelsea LET Drogba leave, when it was the player himself who opted out of a contract renewal.

Honestly, don't know the answer to that one. We can only wait and find out. I believe Mourinho did state that he wanted him to stay,..its just that he would not guarantee regular playing time.

I would say that the heartbeat is JT himself, but its all a matter of opinion I suppose.

True, but there's also a difference. Raul wanted to leave, as he didn't want to become a mere squad player.

Doubt it. The shot had so much power behind it...similar to a Lampard penalty.

I only caught the last 5 mins of this game, and was disappointed to see the lack of effort to even equalize. It reminded me of the CWC final where our primadonnas seemed to underestimate their opponents. Were they that terrible the whole match? And its not the result (we could have lost at Everton away, easily) but the fact it was against THAT team, in OUR backyard that leaves a terrible taste. Hopefully we'll sign someone in the 26-29 age group for our midfield, to do that. Someone like Schweinsteiger or Vidal. And a manager who can build a team, would also help.

Will be voting for one of Sheva, Muzchap or HutchoCFC. I just like how they keep their discussions civil, and also how they're open minded to others views.

Disagree... Ramires was no Moses, but he held Baines in check and drove the team forward on several occassions. He was also the only player to not lose his head in the first 30 mins, and fittingly grabbed the assist for Lampard's goal.

Yeah, that aspect is rather annoying. Today was a prime example. Played through by Oscar in the 90th min, when he could have sealed the game..but took 2 extra touches, allowing himself to be tackled by Dystan.